Puzzle pieces

In Dyvers upon the 18th of Patchwall, an old lady accosted to party. This is before they have even reached Greyhawk.

Old Lady: "Your destiny card."

** Old Lady lays the card on the table: it is the nine of swords **

Old Lady: "You seek to do battle with the hidden nine."

** Old Lady draws another card and places it directly beneath the nine of swords. It is the two of swords… **

Old Lady: "You will meet with powerful warlords on your journey… their motives unknown. Swords guide your destiny...."

** Old Lady draws three cards and places them in a row, beneath the other two cards. **

Old Lady: "The mountain..."

Old Lady: "The dragon..."

Old Lady: "The seven of skulls..."

Old Lady: "Powerful cards guide your destinies..."

Old Lady: “A fiery mountain and a lord of death. I see fire, I see deceit…

** Old Lady 's hand trembles as she reaches for the next cards **

** Old Lady draws two more cards and lays them out **

Old Lady: "The Queen…"

Old Lady: "The Eight of cups…"

Old Lady: "A queen of eight… but there is poison in her cup."

Old Lady: "And finally..."

** Old Lady draws the last card. It is an olive branch **

Old Lady: "An unexpected alliance will be offered."

Old Lady: "Your path has been told."

9 Lords with mingled loyalties

8 legs to the newest betrayal

7 gods to lead the battle charge

6 pawns in the maw of a dragon

5 years until the devastation

4 corners for the crook that cures

3 demon gates from which the legions will issue

2 gods to start it all

1 mad man who sees all.

The slave-spawned Blood King, order shall overthrow.

Eight shall fall to the Ninth Lord

Scion of a Shattered Empire, returneth to the sun;

Harbinger of destruction, apotheosis of fate’s pun.

No god no mortal maketh him tremble,

Six shall be his number and Chosen shall be his name.